Microsoft Again Clarifies About Who Gets Windows 10 for Free

A few days ago, Microsoft declared that anyone who has signed up and installed the preview version of Windows 10 would get a free upgrade. It seemed an easy way out for those who were using the pirated or non-genuine versions of Windows XP/Vista/7/8.1. In a recent blog post, Microsoft has clarified that the method is not as simple as it seems.

According to Microsoft’s Gabe Aul, those who have installed the Windows 10 preview will get a free copy, as long as they keep receiving the pre-release updates. “Since we’re continuing the Windows Insider Program you’ll be able to continue receiving builds and those builds will continue to be activated under the terms of the Windows Insider Program,” Gabe wrote in the blog post.

If a user installs the preview version, upgrades to the final version on July 29th and then opts-out of pre-release updates, he/she will not receive the free copy. According to Microsoft, the preview build will expire without the updates. The user then either has to buy a new license to keep the build or roll back to the previous OS version. “This is not a path to attain a license for Windows XP or Windows Vista systems,” Gabe wrote.

Genuine Windows 7 or 8.1 users will still receive a Windows 10 free upgrade on July 29th.